Porkies

The other day, a fine afternoon in late November, I set off with my dogs, Millie and Holly along the rambla, until we came to a camino that ascended up through the pine forest. 

The views of the 'surrounding Sierras were amazing. Snow was dusting the tops of the Marias, 15 kilometres to the west. It looked as if the far distant peaks of the Sierra Nevada had some serious snow; and I could clearly see the space observatory at Calar Alto on the highest summits of the Filabres. 

The little pueblo of Oria, with its ancient ruined alcabaz (Moorish fort) on the hill top; and it's even more impressive Church basilica - possibly the most beautiful in the whole of Almeria, was nestling in a hollow on the slopes of our Sierra de Estancias

Best of all though, the sight that brought the most warmth, to the chill crisp afternoon, was the sun glinting in the distance, on the Mediterranean!

All this; the company of 'great' dogs; the scent of pine and rosemary; and occasional bird song was making for a perfect afternoon. 

We three continued up the path, and eventually stopped for a drink of water.

I could sense that Millie was not at ease. The thick neck hair of her husky/collie parentage had hackles raised! Holly, sensing something was up too, tickled the air with her nose to collect scent and gave a low growl! They both glanced nervously around. I too felt uneasy!

Then 15 metres ahead, a very large wild pig crossed the path, soon followed by a piglet!

Wow!